Lights Users and Penny-Pinchers: Reader Poll Updates

Thought you’d like to see the – as always, interesting – results of the past couple of weeks’ Question of the Week polls.

Two weeks ago, we asked: “When Do You Use Lights on Your Bike?” And about 800 of you responded. Here are those results:

31% — Always. I use full-time flashers on every ride.

19% — Much of the time, but not always.

10% — Only when the weather threatens to make it darker out.

29% — Only if I am riding pre-dawn, dusk or at night.

4% — Almost never.

4% — Never.

2% — Something else entirely.

And last week, we asked: “Are You a Penny-Pincher or Spendthrift Re: Worn Bike Products?”

I fit snugly into the majority end of the spectrum on this one. I actually once took my favorite seat bag to a shoe repair shop and had the seat post strap riveted back onto the bag – for about $5, vs. spending $25 on a new bag. I will also wear a pair of cleats down to the nub, as long as they still click in and out fine.

And, embarrassing to admit, recently I wore a favorite pair of bibs so long that a buddy suggested the “sheer” nature of the situation warranted me retiring those bibs! That said, I’m less willing to try to milk extra life out of other products like tires and chains. I’d just as soon replace them and move on.

Speaking of stretching the life of tires, don’t miss today’s Quick Tip.